During the first half of my Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs exchange, my experience has been highly enriching both professionally and personally. I have been working closely with a small construction company specialized in civil works and concrete structures, which has allowed me to gain practical insight into the day-to-day operations of the sector.
My main responsibilities have included meeting with suppliers, collecting and comparing offers, visiting construction sites, and assisting in the preparation of cost calculations for bids submitted to public administrations. Through these tasks, I have developed a better understanding of procurement processes, pricing strategies, and the importance of accuracy and efficiency when working on public tenders.
One particularly significant project I was involved in was the repair of the swimming pool at the City Hall of Siero. This experience was especially valuable, as it allowed me to follow a project from a more hands-on perspective, observe technical challenges on-site, and understand how coordination between different stakeholders is managed in practice.
Among the challenges I have faced, adapting to the technical terminology and local business practices was initially demanding. Additionally, learning to evaluate supplier offers critically and ensuring that all cost estimations are realistic and competitive required a steep learning curve. However, these challenges have significantly contributed to my professional growth.
Overall, I feel that the objectives of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program are being successfully met. I am gaining practical experience, improving my understanding of the construction industry, and developing key skills such as communication, negotiation, and analytical thinking.
In conclusion, my progress so far has been very positive. I have not only strengthened my technical and professional skills but also gained valuable insights into how small construction companies operate in a real business environment. I am confident that the second half of my stay will further consolidate these learnings and provide even deeper practical experience.